Carburetor de-icer



Aug. 12, 1958 R. F, ESKEW 2,946,989

CARBURETOR DEI-ICER Filed Sept. l1, 1957 2 Sheets-Shea?l 1 f Robert E [skew 11mm/TOR.

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@Wp-MW R. F. ESKEW CARBURETOR DEI-ICER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Robert Eskew INVENTOR.

BY IM aww Aug. 12, 195s Filed Sept. 11, 1957 CARBURETOR DE-ICER Robert F. Eskew, Eflingham, Ill.

Application September 11, 1957, Serial No. 683,282

8 Claims. (Cl. 12S-122) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in Vattachments for carburetors, and more specically to an improved carburetor de-icer.

Under certain operating conditions carburetors of internal combustion engines have a tendency to ice up.A In fact, the average carburetor is so constructed that the low speed idling system has a tendency to ice up at temperatures of 50 F. or lower. buretor ices up, the efficiency thereof is greatly decreased and thus the internal combustion engine not only has a decrease in power, but also a decrease in eiiiciency.

4It is therefore the primary object of this invention to provide a simple de-icer for carburetors ywhich is automatic -in operation and which may be readily attached to existing carburetor-s without any material alterations.

Another object of this invention is to provide a simple de-icer for carburetOrS, the de-icer receiving heat from the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine and having means forV conveying such heat to the carburetor so as to heat the carburetor and prevent icing up of the carburetor. v

Another object of this invention is to provide an proved de-icer for carburetors, the de-icer incorporating a `special idle control needle valve member which may readily replace the existing idle control needle valve memher, the idle control needle valve member being of a tubular construction and receiving hot air so as to heat the carburetor in the vicinity of the low speed idling system thereof so as to prevent that portion of the :carburetor from freezing up.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved yde-icer for carburetors, the de-icer being so constructed whereby it will supply heated air from the Vicinity of the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine and transmitting it into the carburetor in the vicinity of the low speeld idling system thereof whereby fuel entering into the carburetor through the low speed idling system is heated so as to prevent icing up of that portion of the carburetor and thus resulting in the more `smooth idling of the internal combustion engine .as well as smoother running at all speeds, an increase in the output of the internal combustion engine and a Idecrease in fuel consumption due to an increase in cfciency.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings for-ming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a conyentional type of internal combustion engine of the type .which incorporates a single barrel carburetor and shows attached to the 'exhaust manifold and the carburetor of the internal combustion engine the carburetor de-icer which is the subject of this invention;

IFigure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken through the carburetor of Figure l and shows the connection of the de-icer thereto;

Of course, when the car- Patented Aug. 12, 1958 =Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View of the special needle valve `member of the carburetor deicer removed from the carburetor and shows the specific details thereof;

Figure 4 is an enlargedl fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 4-4 of Figure l .and lshows the specific details of construction of the heater of the carburetor de-icer;

Figure 5v is an enlarged fragmentary sectional vview taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 5-5 of Figure 4 and shows further the details of the heater;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a deicer for use with a two barrel carburetor, the de-icer having the needle valve members thereof omitted; and

Figure 7 is a perspective View of a special de-icer assembly for use with four barrel `carburetors.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated in Figure l a conventional type of internal combustion engine which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 10. The internal combus- -tion engine 10, among other components, includes a block 12. ACarried by the block 12 is an exhaust manifold 14 and an intake manifoldv 16. VThe intake manifold 16 has secured thereto a conventional carburetor v18 of the single barrel type.

The carburetor 1`8 includes a body 20 having a lower throat portion 22. The body 20 also incorporates a reservoir or float chamber 24 to which the fuel line 26 of the internal combustion engine 10 is connected. The throat portion 22 has formed therein a vertical passage 28 whose upper end is communicated with the reservoir 24 for receiving fuel therefrom. A transverse passage 3.0 is communicated with the lower end of the fuel passage 28 for delivering a small amount of fuel into the throat portion 22 'beneath a butterfly valve 32 mounted therein. The fuel which enters i-nto the throat portion 22 through the fuel passage 30 is that fuel which permits the idling of the internal combustion engine 10. The iiow of fuel through the fuel passage 30 is controlled by a valve assembly 32 which includes a frusto-conical valve seat 34 and a low speed or idle control needle valve member, the needle valve member being omitted and being replaced by a special needle valve member to be described in more detail hereinafter.

Mounted on the internal combustion engine 10 coupled vto both the exhaust manifold 14 and the carburetor 18 is the carburetor de-icer which is the subject of this invention, the carburetor de-icer being Ireferred to in lgeneral by the reference numeral 36. The carburetor de-icer 36 includes primarily a heater 38, an idle control needle valve member 40 and a length of tubing 42 communicating the two.

As is best shown in Figure 3, the idle control needle valve member 40 is of -a tubular construction and includes a-n elongated body portion 44 having a longitudinal bore 46 therethrough. The body portion 44 terminates at its inner end in ya valve member 48 which includes a conical end 50 which cooperates with the valve seat 34 to -control the flow of fuel into and through the full passage 30. The bore 46 extends into the reduced end 48 and opens therethrough by means of a transverse bore 52. The transverse bore 52 is so positioned whereby it is communicated with the fuel passage 28.

In order to facilitate the positioning in adjustment of the needle valve member 40,' the portion of the body 44 adjacent the reduced portion 48 is provided with external threads 54 which are threadedly engaged into the carburetor body 20. The threads 54 will it the threaded bore in which the normal idle control needle valve mem ber is positioned. In order to facilitate positioning vof the needle valve member 4), the intermediate part of the body portion 44 is enlarged and is of a hexagonal crosssection, the intermediate part being referred to by the reference numeral 56 and being adapted to receive a wrench or other member for selectively holding or turning the needle valve member 40. The outer end of the body portion 44 is externally threaded as at 58 to receive a coupling 60. The coupling 60 is normally positioned on one end of the tubing 42 and is sealed with respect thereto by means of a ferrule 62 carried by the tubing 42. The outer end of the body portion 44 is also recessed as at 64 to receive the ferrule 62 and form a seal therewith. Bore 46 has an enlarged outer portion 64 for receiving the associated end of the tubing 42. Thus heated air may be supplied through the needle valve member 40 by means of its connection to the tubing 42.

Referring now to Figure 4 in particular, it will be seen that the heater 38 includes a hollow body 66 which includes a body portion 68 and a top wall 70. The lower end of the body 66 is opened and the lower end of the body portion 68 is seated upon the exhaust manifold 14. The hollow body 66 is secured to the exhaust manifold 14 in any desired manner including welding 72.

Carried by the top wall 70 of the hollow body 66 is an elongated air inlet pipe 74. The air inlet pipe 74 extends into the hollow body 66 to a point below the center thereof. The hollow body 66 is filled with a mineral wool, such as steel wool 76, which surrounds the air inlet tube 74. The inner end of the air inlet tube 74 is also covered by means of a screen 78.

The body portion 68 is provided with an externally threaded bore 80 in the upper part thereof. Threadedly engaged in the bore 80 and opening into the interior of the hollow body 66 is a small pipe nipple 82 to which there is connected an elbow 84. Disposed within the elbow 84 is a screen 86 so as to filter the air passing through the elbow 84. The end of the tubing 42 remote from the needle valve member 40 is connected to the elbow 84 by means of a coupling 88.

During the operation of the internal combustion engine 10, air is drawn through the needle valve member 40, the tubing 42 and the heater 38 by the vacuum produced within the throat portion 22 of the carburetor 18. As the air passes into the hollow body 66 from the air inlet pipe 74, it comes into contact with the mineral wool 76 and is heated thereby. Thus air exiting from the hollow body 66 is heated and heated air is supplied to the carburetor 18. The heated air enters into the fuel passage 28 where it mixes with the fuel passing therethrough so that the heated air and fuel passes into the carburetor 18 through the fuel passage 30. This heated air prevents the icing up of the low speed idling system of the carburetor 18. Also, the existence of heat at this point greatly reduces any tendency of other parts of the carburetor 18 from icing up.

Referring now to Figure 6 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a carburetor de-icer for dual barrel carburetors, the carburetor de-icer being referred to in general by the reference numeral 90. The carburetor de-icer 90 includes a heater 92 which is identical with the heater 38. Coupled to the heater 92 by means of a small pipe nipple 94 is an elbow 96, the pipe nipple 94 and the elbow 96 being identical with the pipe nipple 82 and the elbow 84. Connected to the elbow 96 by means of a coupling 98 is a length of tubing 100. The tubing 100 is very similar to the tubing 42 and differs therefrom only in the manner in which it is bent.

The carburetor de-icer 90 also includes a T-fitting 162 which includes a pair of aligned legs 184 and 166 and a stern 108. The tubing is connected to the leg 106 by means of a coupling 110. A first short length of tubing 112 is connected to the leg 104 by means of a coupling 114. A second short length of tubing 116 is connected to the stem 108 by means of a coupling 118. The short lengths of tubing 112 and 116 have been illustrated as being broken off. However, the ends thereof will be coupled to idle control needle valve members identical with the needle valve member 40.

Referring now to Figure 7 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a carburetor de-icer intended for use with four barrel carburetors, the carburetor de-icer being referred to in general by the reference numeral 120. The carburetor de-icer 120 includes a heater 122 which S identical to the heater 38. Coupled to the heater 122 is a small pipe nipple 124 and an elbow 126 which are identical to the pipe nipple 82 and the elbow 84. Connected to the elbow 126 by means of a coupling 128 is tubing 130 which functions similar to the tubing 42 and the tubing 100, but differ therefrom in the configuration thereof.

The carburetor de-icer 120 also includes a T-tting which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 132. The T-tting 132 includes a pair of aligned legs 134 and 136 and a depending stem 133. Connected to the stem 138 by means of a coupling 140 is the opposite end of the tubing 130.

Connected to the leg 134 by means of a coupling 142 is a short length of tubing 144. A similar length of tubing 146 is coupled to the leg 136 by means of a coupling 148. Connected to the upper ends of the tubing 144 and 146 by means of couplings 150 which are identical to the coupling 66 are idle control needle valve members 152 which are identical to the idler control needle valve member 40.

It is to be understood that the carburetor de-icer, which is the subject of this invention, may be adapted to all types of carburetors by varying the size of the needle valve members and the configuration of the tubing connecting the needle valve members to the heater. The invention may either be built up by the installer, or may be sold in kit form for application by individual motorists. Although welding has been described as the fastening means connecting the heater 38 to the exhaust manifold 14, it is to be understood that other types of securing means may be used. Also, the tubing of various carburetor de-icers may be covered by a suitable insulating material for use during winter months.

From the foregoing description of the carburetor deicer, it will be readily apparent that it will not only prevent the icing up of a carburetor, but will also make the internal combustion engine of which it is a part run both smoother at high speeds and during the iding stage. Also, it will increase the performance of the internal combustion engine both in output and economy.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A carburetor de-icer comprising an air heater, tubing connected to said air heater for receiving heated air from said air heater, an idle control needle valve member, said needle valve member being tubular and including an inner end and an outer end, an air outlet opening adjacent said inner end, an air inlet fitting at said outer end, said air inlet tting `connecting said tubing to said needle valve member for delivering heated air thereto.

2. A carburetor de-icer comprising an air heater, tubing connected to said air heater for receiving heated air from said air heater, an idle control needle valve member, said needle valve member being tubular and including an inner end and an outer end, an air outlet opening adjacent said inner end, an air inlet fitting at said outer end, said air inlet tting connecting said tubing to said needle valve member for delivering heated air thereto,

said air heater being of the exhaust manifold heated type.

3. A carburetor de-icer comprising an air heater, tubing connected to said air heater for receiving heated air from said air heater, an idle control needle valve member, said needle valve member being tubular and including an inner end and an outer end, an air outlet opening adj-acent said inner end, an air inlet fitting at said outer end, said air inlet tting connecting said tubing to said needle valve member for delivering heated air thereto, said air heater being of the exhaust manifold heated type, said air heater including `a hollow body, an air inlet pipe opening into said hollow body, an air outlet opening into said hollow body remote from said air inlet pipe whereby air passing through said hollow body from said -air inlet pipe into said air outlet fitting is heated.

4. A carburetor de-icer comprising an air heater, tubing connected to said air heater for receiving heated air from said air heater, an idle control needle valve member, said needle Valve member being tubular and including an inner end and an outer end, an air outlet opening adjacent said inner end, an air inlet tting at said outer end, said air inlet fitting connecting said tubing to said needle valve member for delivering heated air thereto, said air heater being of the exhaust manifold heated type, said air heater including a hollow body, an air inlet pipe opening into said hollow body, an air outlet opening into said hollow body remote from said air inlet pipe whereby air passing through said hollow body from said -air inlet pipe into said air outlet tting is heated.

5. A carburetor de-icer comprising an air heater, tubing connected to said air heater for receiving heated air from said air heater, an idle control needle valve member, said needle valve member being tubular and including an inner end and an outer end, an air outlet opening adjacent said inner end, an air inlet fitting at said outer end, said air inlet fitting connecting said tubing to said needle valve member for delivering heated air thereto, said air heater being of the exhaust manifold heated type, said air heater including a hollow body, an air inlet pipe -opening into said hollow body, an air outlet opening into said hollow body remote from said air inlet pipe whereby air passing through said hollow body from said -air inlet pipe into said air outlet fitting is heated, said hollow body being filled with a mineral wool to increase the heating of the air.

6. A carburetor de-icer comprising an air heater, tubing connected to said air heater for receiving heated air from said air heater, an idle control needle valve member, said needle valve member being tubular and including an inner end and an outer end, an air outlet opening adjacent said inner end, an air inlet fitting at said outer end, said air inlet tting connecting said tubing to said needle valve member for delivering heated air thereto, said air heater being of the exhaust manifold heated type, said air heater including a hollow body, an air linlet pipe opening into said hollow body, an air outlet opening into said hollow body remote from said air inlet pipe whereby air passing through said hollow body from said air inlet pipe into said air outlet fitting is heated, said hollow body being filled with a` mineral wool to increase the heating of the air.

7. A carburetor de-icer comprising an air heater, tubing connected to said air heater for receiving heated air from said air heater, an idle control needle valve member, said needle valve member being tubular and including an inner end and an outer end, an air outlet opening adjacent said inner end, an air inlet tting at said outer end, said air inlet fitting connecting said tubing to said needle valve member for delivering heated air thereto, said air heater being of the exhaust manifold heated type, said air heater including a hollow body, an air inlet pipe opening into said hollow body, an air outlet opening into said hollow body remote from said air inlet pipe whereby air passing through said hollow body from said air inlet pipe into said air outlet tting is heated, said hollow body having an open end adapted to be closed by an exhaust manifold, means on said hollow body for securing said hollow body to an exhaust manifold.

8. A carburetor de-icer comprising an air heater, tubing connected to said air heater for receiving heated air from said air heater, an idle control needle Valve member, said needle valve member being tubular and including an inner end and an outer end, an air outlet opening adjacent said inner end, an air inlet fitting at said outer end, said air inlet fitting connecting said tubing to said needle valve member for delivering heated air thereto, said a-ir heater including a hollow body, an air inlet pipe opening into said hollow body, an air outlet opening into said hollow body remote from said air inlet pipe whereby air passing through said hollow body from said air inlet pipe into said air outlet tting is heated, said hollow body having an open end adapted to be closed by an exhaust manifold, means on said hollow body for securing said hollow body to an exhaust manifold.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,655,141 Hayden Oct. 13, 1953 

